Isn’t pizza interesting? As long as a few criteria are met, you can switch toppings, cheese, and sauce, and it’s still a pizza. That’s similar to hearing loss. But as long as you have difficulty hearing sound, it’s still hearing loss whether it’s due to genetic factors, age, obstructions, or exposure to loud noise.
Normally, when you’re facing hearing loss (no matter the variety), the first thing you need to do is try to limit the damage. There are, after all, some basic steps you can take to protect your ears and limit additional hearing loss.
Tip 1: Clean your ears
When you were a kid, you most likely learned that you need to clean behind your ears. With regards to hearing health, we aren’t worried about the places behind your ears, but rather your inner ears.
Keeping your ears clear of wax buildup can help your hearing in a variety of different ways:
- When wax accumulation becomes substantial, it can stop soundwaves from reaching your inner ear. When this takes place you won’t be capable of hearing as well.
- Your chance of getting an ear infection is increased if your ears aren’t kept clean and that can cause swelling which will interfere with your hearing. Your hearing will usually return to normal after the infection is gone.
- If you have a hearing aid, earwax can also impact that. This may make it seem as though your hearing is getting worse.
If you notice earwax buildup, it’s definitely not recommended that you poke around in there with a cotton swab. Cotton swabs can lead to damage and will almost always make the problem worse. Alternatively, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Tip 2: Steer clear of loud noises that could cause hearing loss
This is so obvious that it kind of goes without saying. The issue is that the majority of people are hard-pressed to determine what a “loud noise” actually is. For example, highway travel can be loud enough to harm your ears over a long period of time. The motor on your lawnmower can be very straining on your ears, also. Clearly, other things besides rock concerts or blaring speakers can damage your ears.
Here are some ways to avoid loud, harmful noises.:
- When decibel levels get to a dangerous volume, you can use an app on your phone to alert you.
- Wearing hearing protection when loud settings are necessary. Are you working on the floor of a noisy factory? It’s okay if you want to attend that rock concert. But wear the required ear protection. Contemporary earmuffs and earplugs supply ample protection.
- When you’re listening to tunes or watching videos, keep the volume of your headphones at safe levels. When approaching dangerous levels, most headphones have a built-in warning.
There’s a gradual advancement to hearing loss that’s caused by loud sound. So don’t simply presume that your hearing is okay after a noisy event, even if it feels fine. Only if you come in for a hearing exam can we give your ears a clean bill of health.
Tip 3: If you have any hearing loss, get it treated
In most situations, hearing loss develops slowly over a long period of time. You’ll be in a better position to avoid additional damage if you identify your hearing loss early. That’s why treatment is tremendously important in terms of limiting hearing loss. Practical treatments (on which you follow through) will put your hearing in the best possible condition.
Here’s how treatments work:
- Some, but not all damage can be prevented by wearing hearing aids. For example, hearing aids will prevent you from cranking your television volume up so loud it becomes harmful. This will counter further noise-related damage.
- Hearing loss-related health conditions that are exacerbated by social solitude and brain strain can be avoided by using hearing aids.
- We will help you avoid additional damage to your ears by providing you with individualized instructions when you come in for a consultation.
Limit hearing loss – it will benefit you over the long haul
Despite the fact that we can’t cure hearing loss, we are putting in hard work to help you minimize additional damage. Treatment of hearing loss is typically one of the primary approaches to that. Your current level of hearing will be maintained and hearing loss will be prevented from getting worse with the proper treatment.
You’re taking the correct steps to prevent hearing loss and put yourself in the best position to continue to have healthy hearing if you practice good hygiene, utilize ear protection, and come see us for regular hearing exams.